Decorative container sleeves and method

ABSTRACT

A container for displaying prepared food acquired from a provider in a disposable container is formed by a sleeve of a thermally insulating material such as neoprene or a silicone-based material that has been sized and dimensioned to receive a disposable container from a food provider. The sleeve has indicia thereon to provide an enhanced appearance, or a message such as a slogan or message of support.

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application is based on provisional application Ser. No. 62/320,175 filed Apr. 8, 2016.

SPECIFICATION Field Of The Invention

The present invention relates to containers formed as decorative sleeves dimensioned and sized so as to be used with food containers that might be received from a fast food provider such as a delicatessen to provide an enhanced serving experience.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Very often a person entertaining at home or perhaps tailgating at a concert or sports event may have acquired food purchased from a fast food outlet, a delicatessen or the like; and such food products are often provided in disposable containers typically holding 8 oz., 16 oz. or 24 oz. or even larger servings of prepared food to be served later. These disposable containers are not designed to be long-lasting, are often not sufficiently insulating for adequate food safety, and are often non-descriptive or may have printing on the side promoting the source of the prepared food. Thus, those entertaining by use of such food products may require a more decorative, insulative and longer-lasting container for serving is the food in a more pleasing manner, or may not desire to promote or even signify the fast food provider.

Typically, therefore, the prepared food is removed from the container within which it had been acquired, and placed in serving dish or container which later will require cleaning. Or the product may be stored or transported for awhile, or left on a table for use for a period of time; and thus it is desirable to provide some thermal insulation to maintain the food stuffs either at a cool temperature or a heated temperature, as desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention, a decorative sleeve of flexible material such as neoprene or perhaps a silicone-based material is provided that fits around the outside of a food container to (1) provide a more decorative appearance, and (2) provide insulation to maintain the food at a more desired temperature, and (3) provide a serving container that would likely need extensive cleaning after use.

Clean up is simple, inasmuch as the decorative sleeve does not come in contact with the food; it can easily be rinsed for cleaning. Further, inasmuch as the decorative sleeve is flexible, it can easily be flattened for storage or packaged for shipment and retail sale.

The present invention includes a container to be used for displaying prepared food acquired from a provider in a disposable container, including a sleeve formed of a thermally insulating material sized and dimensioned to receive such disposable container, said sleeve having indicia thereon to provide an enhanced appearance. The sleeve maybe be made from such materials as a silicone-based material, or neoprene, or a material such as corrugated cardboard that is able to provide some thermal insulation.

The container may have dimensions to receive an 8 oz., 16 oz., 24 oz. or even 32 oz. servings of prepared food. The present invention also includes the method of enabling a person to display prepared food acquired from a provider in a disposable container by providing a sleeve of the present invention.

These and other objects, and advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the descriptions given below which is made in conjunction with the following drawing figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of the decorative sleeve of the present invention as intended to be packaged;

FIG. 2 illustrates the operation of the decorative sleeve of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of the decorative sleeve of the present invention decorated to label the intended contents;

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of the decorative sleeve of the present invention of various sizes decorated to label the intended contents;

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of the decorative sleeve of the present invention exemplifying its potential decorative aspects;

FIG. 6 illustrates the potential various sizes of the embodiment of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 illustrates an example of the decorative sleeve of the present invention exemplifying its potential for use at tailgating events;

FIG. 8 illustrates the potential various sizes of the embodiments of FIG. 7;

FIGS. 9 through 12 illustrate the construction and dimensions of various sizes of the containers of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, decorative sleeves 10 of the present invention may be made of a flexible material such as neoprene or a silicone-based material well known in the food container and implement industry, and thus flattened to be inserted in packages 20 for shipment, retail sale or storage. FIG. 2 shows how a food container 22 from a fast food outlet, delicatessen or the like can be inserted into a decorative sleeve 10 of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of the decorative sleeve of the present invention decorated to label the intended contents as shown at 24; and FIG. 4 illustrates the various sizes for such containers. FIG. 5 illustrates examples of the decorations that may be applied to the sleeves 10 of the present invention and FIG. 6 illustrates the various sizes for such containers. As can be noted in FIG. 5, the decorative sleeves 10 are not provided with tops so the tops of the food provider may be show; or alternatively, decorative tops can be applied.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example of the decorative sleeve of the present invention decorated to have a sporting events theme, and such containers can be used, for example, at tail gate parties for sporting events. As understood, team logos, band images and other licensed insignia could be used as decorations. Slogans of support for a sporting team could be the indicia. FIG. 8 illustrates the various sizes for such containers.

FIGS. 9 through 12 illustrate the construction and dimensions of various sizes of the containers of the present invention.

As understood by one skilled in the field, various designs and indicia can be supplied to the containers 10 as desired; and decorative sleeves are provided that are thermally insulating and can be flattened for packaging. Yet, the containers can be easily cleaned, usually a simple rinsing will be sufficient, and can be reused.

I do not intend to limit my invention by the above detailed descriptions and accompanying drawings, and define my invention by the appended claims. 

What s claimed is:
 1. A container to be used for displaying prepared food acquired from a provider in a disposable container, including a sleeve formed of a thermally insulating material sized and dimensioned to receive such disposable container, said sleeve having indicia thereon to provide an enhanced appearance and made from a material able to be flattened yet regain its shape when desired.
 2. A container to be used for displaying prepared food acquired from a provider in a disposable container as set forth in claim 1, said material being a silicone based material.
 3. A container to be used for displaying prepared food acquired from a provider in a disposable container as set forth in claim 2, said indicia being decorative.
 4. A container to be used for displaying prepared food acquired from a provider in a disposable container as set forth in claim 2, said indicia indicating support for a team at a sporting event.
 5. A container to be used for displaying prepared food acquired from a provider in a disposable container as set forth in claim 1, said material being neoprene.
 6. A container to be used for displaying prepared food acquired from a provider in a disposable container as set forth in claim 5, said indicia being decorative.
 7. A container to be used for displaying prepared food acquired from a provider in a disposable container as set forth in claim 5, said indicia indicating support for a team at a sporting event.
 8. A container to be used for displaying prepared food acquired from a provider in a disposable container as set forth in claim 1, said indicia being decorative.
 9. A container to be used for displaying prepared food acquired from a provider in a disposable container as set forth in claim 1, said indicia indicating support for a team at a sporting event.
 10. A method to enable display of prepared food acquired from a provider in a disposable container by providing a sleeve formed of a thermally insulating material sized and dimensioned to receive such disposable container, said sleeve having indicia thereon to provide an enhanced appearance.
 11. A method according to claim 10, said sleeve being made from a material able to be flattened yet regain its shape when desired. 